At Least 21 Dead in Panic Incident in Chicago

CHICAGO (Reuters) - At least 21 people were killed at a Chicago night club on Monday, most of them trampled or crushed when they panicked and tried to escape a fight, local media reports said.

Witnesses said pepper spray was used to break up a fight and fleeing patrons were directed to use only one exit to escape the fumes at the Epitome club on the city's Near South Side, a heavily black entertainment district, at around 3 a.m. CST.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson who came to the scene said he had been told that between 18 and 20 people perished in the ensuing stampede and media reports said the death toll had risen to 21. Many others suffered severe injuries. Jackson said it was clearly accidental.

The club was packed with party-goers staying out before dawn on Monday's national holiday.